Candidate Info - Mo Green - Wake County Democratic Party

Mo Green

NC Superintendent of Public Instruction

Mo Green - NC Superintendent of Public Instruction

Candidate Statement:

Maurice “Mo” Green is running to oversee North Carolina’s public schools as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mo has strived to be a champion for public education in NC throughout a professional career that has included being a school district superintendent, a chief executive for a large foundation that awards grants supporting public education and a school board attorney.

Mo served as the executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation from 2016-2023. Prior to ZSR, Mo served more than seven years as superintendent of Guilford County Schools – the third largest district in North Carolina. Before Guilford County Schools, Mo joined Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in 2001 as general counsel. In 2006, he was named chief operating officer and later moved into the role of deputy superintendent. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics and a law degree, both from Duke University. Mo is a longtime resident of NC. He is married and has two adult children.

Importance of this Race:

At a time when our public schools are already underfunded and our educators are already underpaid, it is wrong to divert an additional $500 million of public funds away from public schools and into private school vouchers for the wealthy and well-connected. Our public schools are being dismantled brick by brick, but it’s not too late to change course. To do so we must elect Mo Green, the only qualified candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mo Green believes we should fully invest in our schools, enhance parent and community support, and prepare our students for the future.

Office Responsibilities:

The State Superintendent serves in NC’s executive branch and is in charge of day-to-day operations of the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
They serve as secretary and chief administrative officer of the State Board of Education, and on the North Carolina Council of State.
They are responsible for organizing, establishing and administering funds for DPI as approved by the Board of Education.
They advocate and inform the state on important issues and provide information about the needs of public schools by maintaining relationships with school personnel, and representing the Department at public gatherings and with the press.
They meet with the governor to discuss public schools and provide recommendations for potential legislation beneficial to education in NC.
Establishing special funds in DPI to manage nongovernmental grants.
Managing and carrying out all rules and regulations from the SBE

Issues:

Value and Fund Our Public Schools:

Generations of North Carolinians have made the choice to value and invest in our public schools. The Republican-led General Assembly has refused to demonstrate those same values. Their nominee for Superintendent does not support the public education system. She has no relevant experience for this vital role, and has been vocal on social media with both divisive and violent rhetoric.

Mo Green knows it’s concerning when you start funneling taxpayer funds away from public schools and into private school vouchers, especially when you enable and encourage the wealthiest families to take advantage. Our public schools are woefully underfunded, and this is a devastating decision that will only serve to further undermine the quality of our schools and teachers. Our kids deserve better.

Prepare Each Student for Their Future:

Green believes there should be adequate and differentiated resources to prepare all students for life after they graduate, whether they go to college, trade school, join the military or go straight to work. This is essential, and results from a strong public education system.

Celebrate and Lift Up the Good:

We’ve got to be sure that folks truly understand how much good does happen in our public schools, even while we absolutely have room to and must improve. There is a lot that’s worthy of daily recognition and even celebration. We need to value our educators. Green’s mother instilled that in him, and it encompasses the total ecosystem of professionals in public education, from the cafeteria to the bus line. They all have a part to play in the education of our children.

External Candidate Links:

Mo Green's Website